ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Ms S Aparna assumes charge as new Union Pharma Secretary
Ms S Aparna a 1988-batch IAS officer of Gujrat cadre, has assumed charge as Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers,Govt.of India.
Ms Aparna has replaced Dr PD Vaghela who superannuated on 30 September 2020. Ms S Aparna was appointed to the post of Executive Director, World Bank in 2017, representing the Constituency of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In 2019, she was given a proforma promotion as Additional Chief Secretary  while she was on deputation in Washington DC as Executive Director, World Bank.
She has also served as the Principal Secretary to the then Gujarat CM .
Born in 1963, new Pharma Secretary has also served both Centre and the state on several important assignments including in the Department of finance, planing , Urban and Housing Development, Textile etc.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on National Voters Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted people on National Voters Day.
The Prime Minister said, "Greetings on National Voters Day. This is a day to reaffirm our commitment towards further strengthening our democracy by unfailingly participating in democratic processes at the local, state and national levels. Your doing so will go a long way in building a New India.
I urge people from all walks of life to create awareness on voter registration and especially request my young friends to register themselves as voters if they have not done so already. Every vote cast enhances our democratic fabric".
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister writes to Dehradun student Anurag Ramola, impressed by the student's understanding of the issues of national interest at a young age
“Contribution of our younger generation is going to be crucial in building a strong and prosperous India in the years to come.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi keeps on boosting the morale of the country's young generation, especially the students, by establishing periodic dialogues with them. Be it ‘Mann Ki Baat’, ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, or personal dialogues, Prime Minister Modi has always encouraged the youth by understanding their concerns and curiosity through various mediums. As part of this, the Prime Minister has once again appreciated the art and ideas of the 11th standard student of Dehradun, Anurag Ramola by replying to his letter.
Impressed by Anurag's thoughts, the Prime Minister wrote in the letter, "Your ideological maturity is reflected in your words in the letter and the theme chosen for the painting 'Amrit Mahotsav of India's Independence'. I am glad that you have developed an understanding of issues related to national interest since adolescence and you are aware of your role in the development of the country as a responsible citizen.”
While appreciating the contribution of all the countrymen in the making of a self-reliant India, the Prime Minister has written further: “In this Amrit Kaal of independence, the country is moving ahead with the power of collective strength and with the mantra of ‘Sabka Prayas’. The contribution of our younger generation is going to be crucial in building a strong and prosperous India in the years to come.”
While wishing Anurag for a successful future, Prime Minister Modi has expressed confidence that he would continue to move forward in life with creativity with well desreved success.
This painting has also been uploaded on the Narendra Modi app and the website of narendramodi.in to inspire Anurag.
It should be recalled that Anurag had earlier written a letter to the Prime Minister apprising him of his views on topics related to the national interest. Anurag in his letter wrote that he draws inspiration from the Prime Minister not to lose patience even in adversity, to move forward towards his goal with hard work and sincerity and to take everyone along with him.
Note: Anurag Ramola has been awarded the 2021 Prime Minister's National Children's Award for Art and Culture.
AYUSH
Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal to inaugurate convocation ceremony of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth
Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth  an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush will be celebrating its 25th convocation. Union Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the convocation on March 11.
As the country is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav India@75, the theme of this year’s convocation is “Ayurveda Aahar-Swasth Bharat ka Aadhar”.
During the two day event on March 11 and 12, certificates will be given to 155 students who have successfully completed the Certificate of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth  course held recently. The commencement of next session of CRAV in a traditional manner of induction which is called Shishyopanayana will also be made on March 12. Nearly 225 students will be inducted for the next session. Every year RAV undertakes the ambitious CRAV programme which follows the traditional method of learning i.e Guru-Shishya parampara.
The Guru-Shishya Parampara is a flagship programme of RAV through which the traditional knowledge is transferred from Gurus to Shishyas. RAV through CRAV is trying to revive the system which has gradually vanished with the disappearance of Gurukuls.
The Ayush Minister will confer the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Dr. Subhash Ranade and Vaidya Tarachand Sharma for their outstanding contribution throughout their life for promotion and propagation to Ayurveda within and outside the country.
Subhash Ranade is a leading academician and physician in the field of Ayurveda. He is the author of 155 books on Ayurveda and Yoga. He has worked as Prof. and Head, Dept. of Interdisciplinary School of Ayurveda and Prof. and Head, Dept. of Ayurveda Pune University and Principal of Ashtang Ayurveda College, Pune, India.
Vaidya Tarachand Sharma has been serving Ayurveda since 1967 and had worked in various Ayurveda institutes and has been awarded with various awards. He is an expert in Nadi Viseshagya  and has also written about 21 books on Ayurveda.
Furthermore, FRAV award will also be given to Vaidyas who are persistently working in reestablishing the glory of Ayurveda amd also serving the society by their professional acumen.
RAV has been functioning since 1991 with financial assistance from the Government of India. The objectives of RAV is to promote the knowledge of Ayurveda, undertaking academic works related to Ayurveda, conducting training programmes including Teachers' Training Programmes, Continuing Medical Education, Community Health Officers  training programmes and other activities.
Ayush Ministry has notified RAV as an accrediting body for those courses which are not covered under IMCC Act, 1970 or any other regulations. RAV has formed a body named Ayurveda Training Accreditation Board  for the purpose.
RAV has also collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology,  to start the PhD courses in Dravyaguna, Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Samhita and Siddhanta, Shalya, Panchkarma and Kaya chikitsa.
Vice President's Secretariat
Literature and poetry that focus on societal good will remain timeless: Vice President
Literature mirrors a nation’s greatness and glory: VP
Culture and traditions play an important role in shaping literature: VP
Preserving Telugu and other Indian languages will enable sustenance of our culture: VP
VP urges writers to pay special attention to children’s literature.
Participates in Golden Jubilee celebrations of Visakha Sahiti, a literary organisation
(Literature and poetry that focus on societal good remain timeless and that is the reason why epics like Ramayana and Mahabharath continue to inspire even today, said Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu here today.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Visakha Sahiti, a literary organization, he observed that literature is the vehicle through which a nation’s greatness and glory are mirrored and wanted writers, poets, intellectuals and journalists to accord priority to societal good in all their writings and works.
He observed that a country’s culture and traditions play an important role in shaping literature. We will be able to protect our culture if we preserve our folk literature, he added.
Referring to the richness of Telugu language, he said that every aspect of our life, including our attire, food habits, festivals, customs and occupations are mirrored by literature.
He said that protecting and preserving Telugu and other Indian languages will enable the sustenance of our culture and provide guidance to future generations for charting the right path.
Shri Naidu expressed his happiness that primary education is being imparted in Koya language through Telugu script in 920 schools in eight districts of Andhra Pradesh. He lauded the government and officials of the education department for this initiative. He suggested that it was necessary to attain proficiency in one’s own mother tongue before learning other languages. He urged parents to take necessary initiative in this regard.
The Vice President urged writers to pay special attention to children’s literature and suggested them to find new ways to popularize such literature. He recalled the contribution of well-known writers, Mullapudi Venkataramana and Chintha Deekshithulu in this regard.
Shri Naidu lauded Visakha Sahiti for its efforts in popularizing Telugu literary works.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister, Shri M. Srinivas, Andhra University Vice Chancellor, Shri Prasad Reddy, Visakha Sahiti President, Prof. K. Malayavasini, Secretary, Shri Gandikota Viswanatham and others were present on the occasion.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 188.47 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 17.54 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,88,47,90,495
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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17,54,52,896
More than 188.47 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 17.54 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
PIB Headquarters
V.O.Chidambaranar Port nails a record 30.93 % growth in cargo Handling during August 2019
V.O. Chidambaranar Port has registered an impressive growth of 30.93% in cargo handling by handling 34.29 Lakh Tonnes of cargo during the Month of August 2019, on comparison with August 2018 .
In the current financial year upto August 2019, the Port has handled 15.15 Million Tonnes, accounting a growth of 7.29% when compared to the corresponding period last year, which has ultimately placed V.O. Chidambaranar Port in third position in terms of growth among the major Ports of India.
The major commodities that have contributed to increased volumes through Import are Industrial coal, Containers, Fertilizers, Rock Phosphate, Sulphuric Acid, Palm Oil and Timber. The notable commodities that have shown increased export volumes are Copper Concentrate, Machineries and Granite.
In terms of container handling, M/s. Dakshin Bharat Gateway Container Terminal and PSA SICAL Container Terminal have together handled a record monthly volume of 80,474 TEUs during August 2019 and registered an impressive growth of 27.20 % when compared to the corresponding period last year. M/s. Dakshin Bharat Gateway Container Terminals handled its highest ever monthly container volume of64,569 TEUs of containers in August 2019, surpassing 57,180 TEUs handled during July 2019.
In this current financial year ending August 2019, the Port has handled 3,53,306 TEUs of containers with a growth of 13.16% when compared to the corresponding period last year.
The growth of Container handling through V.O. Chidambaranar Port has been underpinned by relentless performance of the DBGT container terminal by handling 90 to 100 hourly vessel moves with 3 quay cranes, 13 window weekly service and a fortnight service from the two terminals, seamless congestion free road connectivity from the hinterland to the Container terminals and busy bee services of the Container Freight stations & Custom House Agents.
Shri T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Chairman, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust congratulated the stakeholders on the noteworthy performance and stated that “Our record-breaking operational performance is gratifying, and it reflects the results of our relentless commitment towards accommodating growing requirements from our customers. The record container volume handled and active terminal utilisation has mandated the Port to transform VOC Port as a transhipment hub of Indian East Coast in phases”
Prime Minister's Office
Ostracisation to Opportunities: Moving towards a Vikasit Bharat
Guided by the principle of Antyodaya, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always been a staunch advocate of Garib seva and empowering the poor and marginalised sections of society. PM Modi’s progressive vision of social integration and development has been the driving force behind landmark policies and programmes launched by the government in the last nine years.
PMO has tweeted the link to the article on the Prime Minister's website
"Formulating a socially inclusive nation by providing equal opportunities to the marginalised sections."
Ministry of Defence
MoD places supply order for 118 Main Battle Tanks Arjun Mk-1A for Indian Army
Big boost to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
Key Highlights:
- DRDO-developed new variant of MBT to enhance firepower, mobility & survivability
- Order worth Rs 7,523 crore
- 72 new features & more indigenous content compared to Mk-1
- To open defence manufacturing avenue for 200 Indian vendors & create 8,000 jobs
Ministry of Defence  placed an order with Heavy Vehicles Factory , Avadi, Chennai for supply of 118 Main Battle Tanks  Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army on September 23, 2021. The order, worth Rs 7,523 crore, will provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in defence sector and is a big step towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It may be recalled that the Prime Minister had handed over the MBT Arjun Mk-1A to Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane in Chennai on February 14, 2021.
The state–of-the-art MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun Tank designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability. Infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant, the tank would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night. It has been designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation  by incorporating numerous upgrades on Arjun MBT, the in-service main battle tank with the Indian Army.
The MK-1A is equipped with accurate & superior firepower, all-terrain mobility and an invincible multi-layered protection provided by an array of advanced technology systems. It can take on the enemy during day & night conditions and in both static & dynamic modes. By virtue of these capabilities, this indigenous MBT proves to be at par with any contemporary in its class across the globe. This tank is particularly configured and designed for Indian conditions and hence it is suitable for deployment to protect the frontiers in an effective manner.
This production order to HVF, Avadi opens up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 200 Indian vendors including MSMEs, with employment opportunities to around 8,000 people. This will be a flagship project showcasing the indigenous capability in cutting edge defence technologies.
The MBT Arjun Mk-1A has been designed & developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment , along with other laboratories of DRDO within two years . The development activities commenced from June 2010 and the tank was fielded for user trials in June 2012. It took only two years to develop and field the MBT Arjun Mk-1A for user trials from the user requirement. Extensive trial evaluation was conducted in various phases covering 7000+ kms  of automotive and substantial firing of various ammunitions during 2012-2015.
ABB/DK/Savvy
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Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Reservation of Limboo and Tamang Communities
A proposal for reservation of seats for Limboo and Tamang communities in Sikkim Legislative Assembly is under consideration of the Government of India. Article 371F and Article 332 of the Constitution of India govern reservation of seats in the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim and the issue of seat reservation for Limboo and Tamang communities is being considered under these provisions of Constitution of India.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Indian Cricket team for their victory against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Indian Cricket team for their victory against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022. Shri Modi said that the team has displayed superb skill and grit.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"#TeamIndia put up a spectacular all-round performance in today’s #AsiaCup2022 match. The team has displayed superb skill and grit. Congratulations to them on the victory."
Ministry of Science & Technology
Launch of electronic collection facility of Non-Tax Receipts of Survey of India by Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology
Maps and other publications of Survey of India can now be bought using Point of Sale Machines. Such facility wasinaugurated by the Secretary, Department of Science & Technology Professor Ashutosh Sharma today. The electronic collection facility for the costs of maps and other publications will now be available at all the sale counters of Survey of India . This will help students, researchers and other customers to buy what they would need using credit/ debit cards etc.
This Point of Sale facility is based on the platform of the Non Tax Receipts Portal of Government of India and is administered by the office of the Controller General of Accounts. Professor Sharma while inaugurating the new facility said that the new utility would facilitate a central real time MIS generation for all receipts, near- real time credit of receipts in Consolidated Fund of India while ensuring accounting of the receipt as well as empowering citizen to make payments via digital channels while having the option to download electronic copy of payment receipt at any point of time via web application. Secretary emphasized the need to enable the digital channels and bringing the governmental service delivery right at the citizens’ doorstep.
The Secretary, Department of Science & Technology Prof. Ashutosh Sharma launched the facility through a web conference from New Delhi, in the presence of Lt. General Girish Kumar, the Surveyor General of India at the headquarters of Survey of India in Dehradun. This function was attended by other senior officials of Government of India and Shri Debacharan Mishra, Executive Vice President of the Axis Bank, the Banking partner for this new initiative.
Survey of India, the national survey and mapping organization of the country under the Ministry of Science & Technology and set up in 1767, is the oldest scientific department of Government of India. In its assigned role as the nation's Principal Mapping Agency, Survey of India bears a responsibility to ensure that the country's domain is explored and mapped suitably and to provide base maps for expeditious and integrated development. Survey of India takes a leadership role in providing user focused, cost effective, reliable and quality geospatial data, information and intelligence for meeting the needs of national security, sustainable national developmentand new information markets.
Ministry of Defence
CURTAIN RAISER: COMMISSIONING OF YARD 12705 
Mormugao, a P15B stealth guided missile destroyer, is scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 18 Dec 22. The event marks the formal induction into the Navy of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation, Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
The majestic ship measures 163m in length, 17 m in breadth with a displacement of 7400 tonnes and can rightfully be regarded as one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India. The ship is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas  configuration, capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots. The ship has enhanced stealth features resulting in a reduced Radar Cross Section .
Mormugao is packed with sophisticated ‘state of the art’ weapons and sensors such as Surface to Surface Missile and Surface to Air Missiles. The ship is fitted with a modern Surveillance Radar which provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems of the ship. The ship’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities are provided by the indigenously developed Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers and the ASW helicopters. The ship is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical  warfare conditions.
A unique feature of this ship is the high level of indigenisation of approximately 75% incorporated in the production, accentuating our national objective of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. Some of the major indigenised equipment / system onboard Mormugao include Surface to Surface and Surface to Air Missiles, Torpedo Tubes and Launchers, Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers, Super Rapid Gun Mount besides, Combat Management System, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, Foldable Hangar Doors, Helo Traversing system, Close-in Weapon System and Bow mounted SONAR. Major OEMs as well as small MSMEs such as BEL, L&T, Godrej, Marine Electrical Brahmos, Technico, Kineco, Jeet & Jeet, Sushma Marine, Techno Process, etc. have all contributed in making of the mighty Mormugao.
With a clear focus on indigenisation and self-reliance 42 out of the 44 ships and submarines under construction are being built in Indian Shipyards, thus further enhancing our efforts towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. In addition, AoN has been accorded for 55 ships and submarines which will all be constructed in Indian Shipyards.
Named after the historic port city of Goa on the West coast, Mormugao coincidentally undertook her first sea sortie on 19 Dec 21, when Goa celebrated 60 years of liberation from the Portuguese rule. Her commissioning now on 18 Dec 22 on the eve of the Goa Liberation Day will further augment the Indian Navy’s mobility, reach and flexibility towards accomplishment of its role and tasks in the Indian Ocean and beyond.